By Adeboye Ado

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An Anglican priest, Rev. Oluwasegun Popoola of Christ Church, Iye-Akoko, in Akoko North West Local Government area of Ondo State, has called on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to refocus attention on the development of rural areas, which he described as the backbone of Nigeria’s food supply.

Delivering his sermon on Sunday, Rev. Popoola lamented the neglect of critical rural infrastructure, such as roads, health centres, and schools by successive administrations, noting that such abandonment has fuelled poverty and hunger across the country.

“The federal government must look inward and address the needs of rural communities, where food for the entire nation is cultivated. These areas have long been neglected, and this is directly linked to the growing poverty and hunger we face today,” he said.

The cleric further called for urgent and comprehensive efforts to enhance security for farmers, who, he said, are increasingly exposed to the threats of banditry and violence, thereby hampering food production and endangering national food security.

Rev. Popoola urged Nigerians to remain prayerful, law-abiding, and dedicated to their duties as citizens, stressing that collective effort and divine guidance are essential in restoring the country’s lost glory.

“We must work together to rebuild our nation. It starts with us, by being diligent, law-abiding citizens and putting our faith in prayer for divine intervention,” he added.

The Hope reports that the priest’s message struck a chord with many congregants, who echoed his call for the government to prioritise rural development and ensure the safety of farmers as a pathway to economic stability and food sufficiency.